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The Blue Ball

The 17th-century thatched Blue Ball, a few miles from Rutland Water, is an excellent stopping-off point for cyclists and walkers, as well as diners and drinkers looking for a real country pub. Landlord Dominic Way looks after his ales, as locals in the beamed and cosy bar will testify. Seasonal and local ingredients go into classic pub fare and modern dishes such as pan-roasted duck breast, with sautéed potatoes and braised red cabbage; wild mushroom and truffle risotto; or braised lamb shank with mashed potato. There’s a Sunday roast menu and kids can order small portions of most dishes, confirming the pub’s family-friendly credentials.